Q fever | Better Health Channel
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Summary

Q fever is an infection with flu-like symptoms. It is transmitted from cattle, sheep and goats. It is a risk for people who work with these animals, such as abattoir workers and meat inspectors. Symptoms include fever, headaches, chills and muscle pains. A vaccine is available to protect people who are at risk.

Q fever is caused by a micro-organism that is mainly carried by cattle, sheep and goats. It can also be carried by kangaroos, camels, rodents, cats, dogs, birds and wallabies. The bacteria can survive many disinfectants and harsh conditions. It may remain in the environment for long periods of time, which means that dust, hay and other small particles may also carry the bacteria. The organism does not occur naturally in Victoria, but is often brought in by animals that come from interstate.

Q fever has flu-like symptoms


People with Q fever suffer fever, headaches, chills and muscle pains. The illness occasionally causes long-term complications such as heart disease.

It is passed on to humans in different ways


Q fever is passed on to humans through:
  • Contact with animal faeces, urine or birth products.
  • Breathing in dust from infected premises
  • Contact with contaminated wool or hides, or during slaughtering.

Who is at risk?


People who work with cattle, sheep and goats are most at risk of catching Q fever. They include:
  • Farmers, hobby farmers and shooters
  • Abattoir workers, including visitors and tradesmen
  • Meat inspectors
  • Shearers
  • Wool sorters
  • Veterinarians and animal handlers
  • Animal transporters
  • People who handle linen soiled by animal products.

There is a vaccine to prevent Q fever


There is a vaccine called Q-Vax, which gives a high level of protection against Q fever. It is recommended that workers at risk of contracting Q fever be immunised before starting work. This vaccine is not suitable for children under 15 years of age.

Employers at workplaces where there is a high risk of Q fever should arrange for everyone to be immunised with Q-Vax. This will give a high level of protection against Q fever infection.

People must be tested before receiving Q-Vax


People must be tested to make sure they are not already immune to Q fever before they are vaccinated with Q-Vax, otherwise, they can have a severe reaction to the vaccine.

Testing involves a skin test and a blood test. Results of the skin test are ready seven days later. If both tests are negative, and the person is not allergic to eggs and has not already been vaccinated, they can then be vaccinated with Q-Vax.

Where to get help

  • Your local doctor
  • Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Unit, Department of Health Victoria Tel. 1300 651 160
  • NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
  • National Immunisation Infoline Tel. 1800 671 811
  • The Australian Q Fever Register Help-Line Tel. 1300 733 837

Things to remember

  • People who work with cattle, sheep and goats are at risk of Q fever.
  • There is an effective vaccine.
  • You must be tested before you can receive the vaccine.
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Last reviewed: September 2011

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.


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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Q_fever?open">Q fever - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Q fever is an infection with flu-like symptoms. It is transmitted from cattle, sheep and goats. It is a risk for people who work with these animals, such as abattoir workers and meat inspectors. Symptoms include fever, headaches, chills and muscle pains. A vaccine is available to protect people who are at risk.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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